My daughter is in college right now, and just finished all of her ratings (private, instrument, commercial, multi-engine, CFI, CFII). It was extremely expensive, but she loves it and I think is making the right choice for her. Just building hours now as an instructor as she finishes her degree. She is absolutely dedicated to flying, and it shows. I'm glad I got her up for a dozen hours or so before she started college. She knew right away she wanted to make it a career. Many of her friends have dropped out or transferred. Some due to money but most due to the inability to get through the pipeline.

To directly answer the question, that program is simply an introductory exposure to give him an opportunity to see if he has any aptitude or desire to pursue an aviation career. Sounds awesome and I would have loved to have done that in HS.

As for a career in aviation, much tougher question. Its an extremely volatile industry with a history of booms and busts, airlines hire like crazy when times are good right up to the moment they start to furlough as soon as things slow down. I'd definitely recommend a degree in something other than aviation to serve as a fallback should the almost inevitable furlough occur.

Even if there is a slowdown, there will be planes flying people and boxes around and somebody is going to have to pilot them, so if you really want to be a pilot there is no reason not to try to become one.

If your nephew does the intro program and decides to pursue aviation there are several colleges with aviation programs. You go to school for your degree and take flight lessons to get your ratings and build flight time. Then you instruct for the school or some other flight school and continue to build flight time. Eventually get a job flying either boxes or people at the entry level and continue to build time and experience. Get enough and get hired by a regional airline, corporate or freight gig and upgrade to Captain, get enough Pilot in Command time and then get hired by Major/Cargo/National airline if it all works out.

He could join the military and get his experience that way, but I wouldn't do that unless you really want to be in the military first. National Guard is another option. Point is, there are several ways to get to the airlines, and they change in popularity over time due to various reasons. The economy is probably the biggest factor. What worked 20 years ago might not work for a kid getting into the industry now.

Flying is fun and rewarding, there are challenges on just about every flight. It can be boring at times for sure. At the major airline level it pays pretty well and affords you large chunks of time off that many jobs don't allow. It can be hard on the family as the schedule sucks when you are junior and you will miss many birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. Your spouse will need to be on board with that lifestyle, but if its in your blood there aren't too many better ways to make a living.

I'd tell the kid to go for it but also to have a backup plan.

I’ve mentored a few who thought about getting into flying. First off, it’s not all or nothing, he can opt out at any time along the way.

One of the biggest factors is motivation, not going to find someone to lead you(him) every step along the way. I was raised by a single Mom, 5 kids total. My advisor in college told me I couldn’t be a pilot.

Yes, to the Civil Air Patrol, unit quality varies widely. Take him to Airventure in Oshkosh the end of July.

There are ways to move things along, if so versed, enlisting in the Guard or Reserves can help focus & get a little college $$. Say what one wants about a degree & flying, just about all have one for the better jobs.

The FAA doesn’t like pilots taking head meds, even as a kid, keep that in mind. The same goes for DUI’s & related trouble, another way to get tripped up.

My experience was 8.5 years active in the Navy after college, still flying now. My main Carrier was CV-66, bottom of the Atlantic now. I entered the Navy with zero flight experience, fun times started in Pensacola.

I keep going back to the motivation level of the individual, so important.